Our Nig: Or, Sketches from the Life of a Free Black, in a Two-story White House, North Showing That Slavery's Shadows Fall Even There by " Our Nig " - Softcover

Wilson, Harriet E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 085031562X ISBN 13: 9780850315622

Publisher: Allison & Busby, 1983

Synopsis

Excerpt: ...month passed away, and brought no prospect of returning health. He could not walk far from the house for want of strength; but he loved to sit with Aunt Abby in her quiet room, talking of unseen glories, and heart-experiences, while planning for the spiritual benefit of those around them. In these confidential interviews, Frado was never omitted. They would discuss the prevalent opinion of the public, that people of color are really inferior; incapable of cultivation and refinement. They would glance at the qualities of Nig, which promised so much if rightly directed. "I wish you would take her, James, when you are well, home with YOU," said Aunt Abby, in one of these seasons. "Just what I am longing to do, Aunt Abby. Susan is just of my mind, and we intend to take her; I have been wishing to do so for years." "She seems much affected by what she hears at the evening meetings, and asks me many questions on serious things; seems to love to read the Bible; I feel hopes of her." "I hope she IS thoughtful; no one has a kinder heart, one capable of loving more devotedly. But to think how prejudiced the world are towards her people; that she must be reared in such ignorance as to drown all the finer feelings. When I think of what she might be, of what she will be, I feel like grasping time till opinions change, and thousands like her rise into a noble freedom. I have seen Frado's grief, because she is black, amount to agony. It makes me sick to recall these scenes. Mother pretends to think she don't know enough to sorrow for anything; but if she could see her as I have, when she supposed herself entirely alone, except her little dog Fido, lamenting her loneliness and complexion, I think, if she is not past feeling, she would retract. In the summer I was walking near the barn, and as I stood I heard sobs. 'Oh! oh!' I heard, 'why was I made? why can't I die? Oh, what have I to live for? No one cares for me only to get my work. And I feel sick; who cares...

About this title

From the Back Cover

"I sat up most of the night reading and pondering the enormous significance of Harriet Wilson's Our Nig." —Alice Walker

From the Inside Flap

The 1859 novel tracing the life of a mulatto foundling abused by a white family in 19th century New England.

Edition details

• Publisher: Allison & Busby
• Publication date: 1983
• ISBN 10: 085031562X
• ISBN 13: 9780850315622
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 140